Significance of Hand

In Hinduism, the concept of Hand encompasses various interpretations across different schools of thought. It symbolizes nourishment, represented by the capability to intake food. In Vaishnavism, it highlights actions performed by deities like Krishna and serves as a sign of mourning among women. Puranic texts depict the hand as a symbol of strength and punishment, particularly in the actions of warriors like Rama. Additionally, Jyotisha emphasizes its significance for physical interaction, while Dharmashastra addresses its role in moral conduct. Overall, Hand signifies both capability and duty in spiritual and physical contexts.1
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Synonyms: Palm, Fist

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Hand'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, the hand symbolizes diverse functions, from punishment and correction to nourishment and power, serving roles in divine actions, warrior ethos, and expressions of emotion, thus embodying both physical and spiritual significance.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The limbs used by the women to beat their chests, symbolizing an act of mourning.[1] (2) The body part that Krishna took when addressing Radha.[2] (3) Refers to Revata's own hands used to lift and place the mountain.[3]

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The body parts used by Shrivasa to perform the action of covering the sun.[4]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Griffith)

(1) The hand is a body part that Rama uses to hold his bow, and is also a way to describe the actions of a warrior in battle.[5] (2) Hand refers to the force that will not spare the Rakshas, implying punishment.[6] (3) This is a body part that was laid in mine, O dame.[7]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India’s vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Refers to a part of the body that may also strike when in a corrective action, but should not be used against others.[8] (2) The hands are noted as the part of the body subjected to punishment in cases of theft.[9]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Brihat Samhita

(1) The upper limbs that are essential for physical interaction, also evaluated for length and condition.[10]

Jyotisha (ज्योतिष, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to ‘astronomy’ or “Vedic astrology” and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Significance in Hinduism (general):

From: Satapatha-brahmana

(1) Symbolizes the capability to intake food; it is measured in terms of the span given to the tail, linking the physical act to nourishment.[11]

The concept of Hand in local and regional sources

History Books

The keyphrase "Hand" signifies the physical ability to assist and support others, highlighting its importance in fostering community and providing aid through tangible actions.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) Represent physical capability to help and serve others.[12]

Plural form: Hände.